Director WIU Infant and Preschool Center - Western Illinois University

Director WIU Infant and Preschool Center

Category:
Administrative, Professional & Staff Positions

Western Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and serves nearly 6,300 students.

Appointment:
August 1, 2026. 10‑month appointment.

Responsibilities include day‑to‑day supervision, instructional coaching, planning and implementing all operational aspects of the lab site, including budget and grant coordination, providing ECACE support for Macomb workforce members, serving as onsite mentor teacher for field hours, acting as community liaison and committee member for the early childhood community, partnering with the Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood Education, ensuring compliance and instructional tasks, fundraising, securing philanthropic support, and implementing diverse family engagement.

Salary: $44,000 – $46,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long‑Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts, 403(b) and 457(b) retirement plans. Eligible employees must participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). Additional benefits include paid time‑off, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Waiver programs, and discounts to the local YMCA.

For a full list of benefits, visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with children from birth through preschool age.
• Knowledge of Illinois DCFS licensing regulations, child development, curriculum development, developmentally appropriate instructional practices, and assessment.
• Knowledge of budgeting, strategic planning, personnel supervision, and early childhood program operations.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and support staff and teacher candidates while building collaborative relationships with families, staff, community agencies, and university personnel.
• Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills. Current CPR, First Aid, and Mandated Reporter certification (or willingness to obtain before employment) and successful completion of all required Illinois DCFS background checks and clearances prior to employment.

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Administration, or a closely related field.
• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) in Early Childhood Education and/or an Illinois Director Credential Level I or higher (or equivalent).
• Experience serving as a director or administrator in an early childhood center, laboratory school, or community‑based program, including responsibility for budgets, enrollment, and overall program operations.
• Experience with quality improvement initiatives (including Excele Rate Illinois Circles of Quality), inclusive practices for diverse learners, and collaboration with families, community agencies, and university/student preparation programs.

Western Illinois University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We particularly encourage applications from minorities, veterans, women, and individuals with disabilities. WIU’s non‑discrimination policy includes protection against discrimination based on sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and any other class protected by state or federal law.